Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed. A method of printing onto a base (144) includes providing a yarn (151) from a material source (142) disposed in a printing system. The yarn is an elongated continuous piece including a tagging segment (202) and a reel segment (206). The reel segment (206) is disposed proximate the material source (142). The tagging segment (202) extends from a nozzle (118) of the printing system. The method further includes attaching the tagging segment (202) to the base (144) and moving the nozzle (118) away from the tagging segment (202) after the attaching the tagging segment (202) to the base (144). The nozzle (118) is moved by an actuating system (114) of the printing system. The moving of the nozzle (118) along the base increases a tension between the tagging segment (202) and the material source (142). The tension in the yarn (151) pulls the reel segment (206) from the material source (142).
Abstract:
A system, method, and thread structure composition (520) are disclosed. The thread structure composition (520) includes a first thread (510) and a second thread (512). The second thread (512) includes a heat moldable material that is moldable above a predetermined temperature. The first thread (510) remains in a solid form at temperatures substantially above the predetermined temperature. The second thread (512) is twisted around the first thread (510).
Abstract:
A system and method for forming 3D printed structures on a base component (610) includes extruding material through a nozzle (116) while moving the nozzle vertically. Extruded material flows from the nozzle and spreads outwardly upon contact with an underlying portion of material. The outward spread of material is controlled to form a desired geometry for the 3D printed structure. An optical sensing device (416) may provide feedback for controlling the outward spread of material. Using a molding component, structures with anchored portions (1200) extending through openings in the base component can be formed.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for printing onto a curved surface of an article (200) are disclosed. An embodiment of a method may include receiving the article and extruding a composite yarn (202) from a nozzle (118). A method may include attaching the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle in a direction aligned with a first axis and a direction aligned with second axis along the curved surface. The first axis may be approximately normal to the print surface and the second axis may be approximately normal to the first direction. The article may be repositioned during printing to accommodate nozzle movement.
Abstract:
A method and system are disclosed. A method of printing onto a base (144) having an upper surface (148) spaced from a lower surface (150) by a base thickness (204) includes dispensing a yarn (151) from a nozzle (118) of a printing system and selectively attaching the yarn to a first attachment region (152). The step of dispensing the yarn includes dispensing a heat-moldable material (156) and a melt- resistant material (158). The step of selectively attaching the yarn to the first attachment region includes moving the nozzle into the first attachment region. The step of moving the nozzle into the first attachment region reduces the base thickness by a prodding distance (206). The heat-moldable material bonds to the first attachment region.
Abstract:
A system and method for forming 3D printed structures on a base component (610) includes extruding material through a nozzle (116) while moving the nozzle vertically. Extruded material flows from the nozzle and spreads outwardly upon contact with an underlying portion of material. The outward spread of material is controlled to form a desired geometry for the 3D printed structure. An optical sensing device (416) may provide feedback for controlling the outward spread of material. Using a rnoldin g component, structures with anchored portions (1200) extending through openings in the base component can be formed.
Abstract:
A system and method for forming 3D printed structures includes printing an outer shell portion and filling an interior of the outer shell portion to form an inner portion. The outer shell portion and inner portion may have differing material properties. The outer shell portion may be anchored to the base component.